Yamaha Tri-Z opinions?

[longbedGTs]

Im looking at an '86.
I just wanted to see what owners think of them. Good, bad, and everything inbetween.
Power, handling, shift quality, ease of maintainence, reliability, part costs, ect...
Did they ever come in white?

*edit* I looked over the specs on the main page...and see they are liquid cooled. How prone are they to overheating?

[SYKO]

huh? where is it at man?! sweet! now you can keep up with me!!

[ovhonda1]

I have an 86 and I love it. It handles good, but the best part in the speed. It has had some engine work done to it so the flat out drag is great. Stock, they are quick and they handle differently (IMO) than the 250R. They feel taller and thinner and thus, easier to throw around than the Honda. But again that is my opinion. I own one of each. I think you should go for it. They are a blast to ride. The only pain is the fuel pump sometimes gives you trouble and you have to pull start if it has sat for a while.

[Mosh]

You cant beat the low end punch the Tri-z has vs. a Honda 250r. We have both and I think the Tri-z is a way better low end trike than the Honda.The Honda, will build more top end speed in the long run.I also feel the Tri-z is a better handler in tight turns and such.I would say the only drawback to the Tri-z,is the motor vibration.Way more noticeable than a 250r.As far as reliability,I really have not had problems with either of them.The 250r,has more parts available,but you will pay more for them,than Tri-z parts.

[longbedGTs]

Hmmm, interesting replies. Fuel pump?! Seriously? :eek: Kinda crazy on a trike!
Im not planning on doing any drags or whatever, just looking for a thrill rider.
Well, if they arent total bombs, I guess Ill go for it but would still like to hear others thoughts on these.

[Yamahondaman]

hummmmm .... how much for the bike your looking at ?

[longbedGTs]

hummmmm .... how much for the bike your looking at ?

I think you saw the same thing I did.
I will divuldge all information if I dont decide to get it. :)

[bassman]

I've got an '86 I picked up for $750, and that is the best $750 I have ever spent. I've only had to fix the coolant resvoir, and the pipe. Both were bad when I got it. Other than that, it's ran like a raped ape. I have yet to find any thing to keep up with me yet. But then again, it ain't stock. It's got PLENTY of low-end for a 2 stroke. And that's what I need where I ride.

[Bryan Raffa]

as far as the fuel pump it's one of the cheepest things you can fix on a 20yr old machine, at the most it will cost you $17.00 for a diaphram kit, Get it, you wont be dissapointed! awsome low end..awsome woods bike...and is the largest trike witch gives you more room to move around on.

[Dammit!]

Z's are cool trikes. I have an '86 I've been slowly working on restoring/customizing for about a year now.

Overall, I honestly feel the 85-86 250R's are a superior machine. Designed better, less vibration, fewer chronic problems, etc. There's just something cool about a nice Tri-Z though. They're extremely comfortable for one (especially if you're tall). The powerband is a bit mellower with emphasis on the low end which makes them a little less fatiguing to ride. And they just flat out look cool. ;)

Problems to look out for: cracked clutch cover, cracked swingarm near the shock mount, make sure the rear shock is good, see if Ronnie has any more billet waterpump impellers and replace the stocker as soon as you get it (they strip, stop spinning and BAM siezed engine). I think that's about it. The fuel pumps can be very easily rebuilt for only a few bucks.

[Kintore]

I love mine, but dammit has brought up some good points.

Heres some threads to help ya out
Click here (http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/showthread.php?t=27458&highlight=tri)
And here (http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/showthread.php?t=16277&highlight=tri)


Anything you need ask, ive learned a hell of a lot over this site in the last 2 years.

[ATC-Eric]

I've had my 85 Z for about a month or so now. I couldn't be happier! The power of this bike is crazy! But has some aftermarket perks though (piped, reeds, bored), dont know what factory feels like. All I know is this bike is not to be tamed! You have to learn to respect it, and ride accordingly! I cant wait to be done with the rebuild so I can search for another! I have the fever!

Dont mean to jack your thread, but I'm interested as long as the topics up, and I have my engine apart.




Dammit, you said:


see if Ronnie has any more billet waterpump impellers and replace the stocker as soon as you get it


Is Ronnie his user name? I am interested to upgrade while it is easily asseseble.

Thanks

Longbed, I say go for it!!!!!!! :w00t:

[Darius1502]

I love my 86 Z. I spent more time on the 250r and found it to be a superior machine...more power and tighter handling.

The Z has great bottom end compared to the R...and if running good will be blast!

My Z is super wide with the Banshee rims set on the furthest offset!

Great trikes...fuel pump is kind of a pain...but they work if fixed right. My Z is out of commisson with a crank seal leak.

[Dammit!]

Dammit, you said:




Is Ronnie his user name? I am interested to upgrade while it is easily asseseble.

Thanks

Longbed, I say go for it!!!!!!! :w00t:

Sorry. He's kind of a household name around here. :lol: His username is Yamahondaman.

[clutchcargo]

I have a yellow/black 85 z and an 85-1/2 red/black z that I'm workin on and they are really cool bikes. I say get it! If you're concerned with the fuel pump, you can always convert it to a top mount tank and eliminate the pump.

[longbedGTs]

Hey guys, take a look on www.ocalaforsale.com in the ATV/GoKart section. Youll see the ad for the 86 Yamaha Tri Z for $600. Im going to pass on this deal. Too many projects and adding another doesnt help.
Dont worry, :TrikesOwn and always will! :beer

[SYKO]

oh you suck! now I got to goto ocala, like I need to spend any more coin on more stuff, errrrrrrrr

[longbedGTs]

Bump for syk. No info was posted. Maybe someone else has the number written down?

[SYKO]

man!!!! damn!!! errr.....

[Tecate250]

I have the 85 kxt and my buddy has a 85 tri z. Do tri z sit way higher then the kawasaki and honda? My friend has no dog bone on his z and it sits high. And the bike handles it fine. The kick starter is to be desired. The spark plug can be a hassel to get at. The rad caps are a *Edited**Edited**Edited**Edited**Edited**Edited**E dited* to get at. Ive seen too mant Triz with cracked clutch cases. No eye glass for oil level.(I hate the damb screw)
I love the design of the swing arm tho. I want a tecate swingarm like the z.
I was not a fan of the nut to hold your front sprocket on. You cant stay clean at all.

Buy a kawasaki :lol: